Dermocorticoides and sun exposure: A misunderstanding?

Introduction - Fear of dermocorticoids (DCs) or corticophobia is based on an overestimationof the risks of actual side effects and on unfounded beliefs such as DCs-induced photosensitivity among community pharmacists. The objective of this study was to assess the communitypharmacy teams' fear of dermocorticoids in atopic dermatitis (DA) in sunny weather and itsimpact on drug use advice. Material et methods. - A questionnaire as a real case (a summer prescription for atopic dermatitis for an 18-month-old child) was posted on Facebook via groups of pharmacists, techniciansand students. Data collected concerned the health professional, his or her reluctance to DCs, advice associated with dispensation, detailed concerns about the DC and sun association, andsources of information. Results. - In total, 126 participants responded (48.4% pharmacists, 40.5% technicians, 10.3% students): 12% were reluctant to DCs, 36% were reluctant to DCs and considered them photosensitizing, and 51% were not reluctant but considered them photosensitizing. The impacton the patient advice was: a suggestion to stop DC during sun exposure (28%), to stop or limitDC (dose, duration) (43%). Concerns about the association DC/sun were mainly due to UV rays( 46%). Sources cited were: monographs (54%), Internet (6%), training courses (13%). Conclusion. - The false belief of DC/sun incompatibility in DA is strong among pharmacistsand impacts on patients' advice. The role of the official team in dispensing dermocorticoids isessential: training and information for professionals helps to fight false information. (c) 2021 Academie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.